REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
Unqualified and non licensed professionals will no longer be should be allowed to practice in the building and construction industry in Anambra state.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Chijioke Ojukwu gave the indication while addressing stakeholders in the industry during a meeting in Awka.
The interaction was to deliberate on ways of repositioning the construction industry in the state strengthen professional standards, eliminate quackery and put an end to incidents of building collapse
The commissioner emphasized the need for a more coordinated regulatory framework and enhanced enforcement mechanisms which he said would promote accountability, improve construction standards, and safeguard lives and property.
Mr Ojukwu underscored the indispensable role of qualified professionals in the effective implementation of physical planning and urban development initiatives.
He noted that sustainable urban growth and orderly development can only be achieved through the active involvement of competent and duly certified practitioners.
Mr Ojukwu expressed concern over the increasing presence of unqualified individuals within the construction industry in Anambra State and across the country.
In a remark, the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Structural Engineers in Onitsha, Mr Okey Nwosu, expressed happiness over the deliberations of the meeting especially on how to sanitise the construction industry.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Jessie Nwankwo gave assurance that the stakeholders recommendations arising from the engagement would be carefully considered as part of ongoing efforts to make Anambra State a livable and prosperous smart homeland.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the meeting attracted representatives of professional bodies in the building and construction industry among other stakeholders.
